The three winners for this years’ annual FreedomFilmFest film proposal competition will have their films premiered at the annual human rights film festival in October 2011.
The following is lifted from the FFF website.
The KOMAS Freedom Film Festival (FFF) is the first film event of its kind in Malaysia. FFF adopts the themes encompassed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which express our aspirations for genuine justice, peace, equality and democracy.
Through an annual film contest, workshops and screenings, FFF creates an annual showcase of outstanding films and documentaries focusing on social issues that affect ordinary people like HIV/AIDS, human rights, poverty and the environment; alternative films which, due to a lack of commercial backing and because of the tyranny of popular mainstream media, are out of the reach to most Malaysians.
The Freedom Film Festival is dedicated to the memory of Justin Louis.
‘I am one with fire in my hands’ – Frederico Garcia Loca, Spanish playwright
December 1994: A group of young activists went on a fact-finding mission to Ulu Baram, Sarawak to investigate the incidences of alleged rape of indigenous Penan women by forest rangers and other human rights violations. Among them was a young Justin Louis, KOMAS’ first coordinator who, armed only with a video camera, worked tirelessly in documenting the struggles of grassroots communities in Malaysia.
Before joining KOMAS, Justin had been working with another organisation, the Cahayasuara Communication Centre. As the long boat carrying the fact-finding mission team travelled up the mighty Rejang river, the boat encountered complications and capsized. Justin lost his life in the strong rapids. He was only 32. Justin Louis believed in the power of moving images in bringing about social awareness and meaningful change. His zest and passion for life was matched by his commitment to transform the lives of the marginalised and oppressed in society.
In memory of his work and spirit, the FreedomFilmFest is lovingly dedicated to him.